Myanmar. In brief. Appeal No. MAAMM August This report covers the period 1 January to 30 June 2011

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1 Myanmar Appeal No. MAAMM002 9 August 2011 This report covers the period 1 January to 30 June 2011 An MRCS facilitator reviews vulnerability and capacity assessment (VCA) findings with a community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) team and villagers in Magway Region. (Photo: MRCS) In brief Programme outcomes: Lives of affected people are saved and improved through timely and effective disaster response and increased community participation in risk reduction activities. Safe and healthy living conditions are provided through community-based health and first aid and promotion in health and care and water and sanitation. MRCS becomes stronger at all levels to deliver quality community-based services to the vulnerable in Myanmar. Social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace are promoted through active humanitarian diplomacy. Programme summary: In accordance with its new disaster management policy, the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) is carrying out response preparedness and disaster risk reduction activities. MRCS provided a timely and effective response to the Cyclone Giri (October 2010) and the Shan earthquake (March 2011) in line with its contingency plan and standard operating procedure (SOP). Progress has been made in community-based health and first aid (CBHFA), communicable disease control, and water and sanitation. This has been demonstrated by the reduced impact on community health during the Cyclone Giri operation; less HIV vulnerability among communities-at-risk, and reduced TB transmissions. MRCS continually contributes to the supply of safe blood through voluntary nonremunerated blood donors mobilized by Red Cross volunteers (RCVs). Thanks to health education sessions, community awareness of communicable diseases has increased and vulnerable people are better able to cite symptoms of diseases and take preventive measures.

2 The division of organizational development of MRCS has had a stable structure and a high level of cooperation within the team, facilitating a cooperative and coordinated approach to the development of the National Society. Conscious of the demands placed on MRCS, the IFRC country office continuously seeks to support its internal dialogue and consensus building. MRCS has also exerted efforts in media relations, volunteer capacity building and dissemination of the Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. Financial situation: The total 2011 budget is CHF 3,520,232, of which CHF 2,886,650 (82 per cent) is covered up to end-june The contributions to the Cyclone Giri operation are not included here. Overall expenditure during the reporting period was CHF 1,446,152 (41 per cent) of the total budget. The level of expenditure was low because of the uncertainty of funding of programmes and the National Society gave priority to the timely completion of the Nargis operation and the emergency response to the Cyclone Giri and Shan earthquake. Considering the overall expected funding and the level of expenditures, budget revisions are due in September Click here to go directly to the attached financial report. No. of people we have reached: Some 230,000 people benefited directly and some 520,000 others indirectly, from the IFRC-supported programmes during the reporting period. Approximately 250,000 people are expected to benefit from the activities planned for the rest of the year. Our partners: MRCS continues to benefit from a number of multilateral and bilateral partnerships. Ongoing key multilateral support for this plan comes from Canadian Red Cross, Red, Finnish Red Cross/Finnish government, Hong Kong branch of the Red Cross Society of China, Japanese Red Cross Society, Netherlands Red Cross and Swedish Red Cross. MRCS also works with the long-term in-country partner national societies of Australia, Denmark and France on various bilateral programmes. MRCS s cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continues in the area of communications and support to prostheses workshops and training sessions. MRCS maintains important partnerships with Burnet Institute, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNHCR and UNOPS, as well as with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare and Relief and Resettlement, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Home Affairs and local authorities. On behalf of Myanmar Red Cross Society, IFRC would like to thank all partners and donors for their generous and invaluable support of this programme. Context Following the general elections on 7 November 2010, a new central government and state/regional governments were officially put in place in March-April New ministries at central and regional levels expressed their willingness to support the humanitarian activities and development work of UN agencies and other humanitarian actors. State and regional governments may play a bigger role in future disaster response as demonstrated after the earthquake in Shan State in March. However, the actual level of cooperation from various ministries varies from one ministry to another. There has been no progress in visa approval processes for expatriate aid workers working for humanitarian missions in the country or visiting Myanmar for the same purpose. Visa issues continue to affect IFRC delegates working in the country, as well as Red Cross visitors to Myanmar. The 67 th Central Council Meeting and the 10 th General Assembly of MRCS were held at the National Society s new headquarters building in Naypyidaw respectively on 2 and 3 June The MRCS s strategy for was adopted and the MRCS President and members of the Central Council were re-elected at the General Assembly. A good level of progress has been made in the Cyclone Nargis operation, with most programmes close to reaching overall targets and concluding related project activities within the agreed timeframes. In some programmes, targets have even been exceeded or second phases have been launched due to the positive feedback received from communities as well as the continuing need for support. Two consultants have been recruited by the IFRC Asia Pacific zone office to undertake the final evaluation of the Cyclone Nargis operation, which is expected to be completed by the end of July. 2

3 The Cyclone Giri operation is progressing well with the emergency relief operation funded by the IFRC s DREF 1 as well as ECHO 2 having concluded at the end of January and March 2011 respectively. The timeframe of the emergency health and care programme supported by Swedish Red Cross and the water and sanitation programme supported by AusAID 3 through Australian Red Cross has been extended until the end of July 2011 to meet the needs of affected communities. With the support of IFRC and partner national societies, MRCS quickly responded to the disaster caused by the earthquake in Shan State in March. These two operations have demonstrated the MRCS s disaster response capacity which has been enhanced through the Cyclone Nargis operation. Although MRCS has been busy with the final phase of the Cyclone Nargis operation and two emergency relief operations, it was able to achieve progress in implementing the annual programmes through effective management of its available resources. Progress towards outcomes Disaster management Programme purpose: Reduce deaths, injuries and impact from disasters Outcome: Lives of affected people are saved and improved through timely and effective disaster response and increased community participation in risk reduction activities. Achievements Programme component: Response preparedness Disaster preparedness stock MRCS procured standard disaster preparedness (DP) stock for 18,000 households, of which 14,000 were distributed to people affected by Cyclone Giri. Up to 700 packages were distributed to people affected by the earthquake in Shan State. The remaining 3,300 standard packages have been stored at different warehouses for future disaster response needs. Considering the vital need for ropes and hammers among affected communities as was evident in recent emergencies, MRCS has added these items to its standard disaster preparedness packages. Tarpaulins, blankets and mosquito nets were purchased through the IFRC s regional logistics unit in Kuala Lumpur to ensure their quality, while clothing materials, kitchen sets, hammers and rope were procured locally. Disaster response MRCS responded to various small- and medium-scale disasters in the country and distributed disaster preparedness stock to 2,028 disaster-affected households. With support from IFRC s disaster relief emergency fund (DREF) as well as ECHO, MRCS distributed non-food items, shelter kits, community shelter kits and hygiene parcels to 13,912 families affected by Cyclone Giri in four townships in Rakhine State. With the support of Swedish Red Cross and AusAID through Australian Red Cross, MRCS continues to support cyclone-affected people by providing emergency health and care, and water and sanitation services. These programmes are due to be completed by the end of July In cooperation with IFRC and other partners, MRCS launched a DREF operation to respond to the earthquake in Eastern Shan State in March The society deployed relief teams and distributed disaster preparedness stock and family tents to affected people. Please see the DREF operation updates for details. Warehouse upgrading The upgrading of three MRCS warehouses is in progress. When they are completed, the number of upgraded warehouses will increase to 12, thereby strengthening the National Society s warehousing capacity and management. In addition to the renovation of their physical structure, these upgraded warehouses have been equipped with furniture, pallets and communications equipment. With the support of Japanese Red Cross Society, MRCS is building a new warehouse in Yangon in order to enhance its warehousing capacity. A contractor has been identified and construction is in progress. 1 Disaster Relief Emergency Fund. 2 European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (DG ECHO) 3 Australian Agency for International Development. 3

4 Communications facilities MRCS procured 30 new telephones for distribution to disaster-prone townships as part of its efforts to strengthen the communication between the headquarters and branches at regional and township levels. These telephones will be used for early warning and income-generation initiatives by branches. Emergency management fund At the end of May 2011, MRCS and IFRC signed an agreement concerning the establishment, management and supervision of an emergency management fund, which stipulates its concept and other details regarding its management and operational procedures. The fund which has a ceiling of CHF 500,000 is aimed at financing the replenishment of disaster preparedness stock, deployment of assessment teams and the local transportation of disaster preparedness stock. MRCS and Japanese Red Cross Society have contributed CHF 16,000 and CHF 150,000 respectively to the fund. Sphere 5 training Together with Oxfam and other partners, MRCS and IFRC jointly organized a Sphere training-of-trainers workshop in Yangon on 9-14 May. A total of 30 people, including four from MRCS and IFRC, were trained as facilitators of Sphere training. MRCS and IFRC have completed the translation of the 2011 edition of the Sphere handbook into the Myanmar language and the printing process is due to begin soon. Other initiatives In response to the recommendations of the Cyclone Giri lessons learnt workshop held in March, MRCS is developing rapid assessment tools in cooperation with IFRC, UN OCHA 6 and other partners. In an effort to speed up its disaster response, MRCS is working to form emergency response teams (ERT) in all states and regions throughout the country. MRCS and IFRC are also contributing towards inter-agency efforts to promote disaster risk reduction (DRR) as a member of the inter-agency DRR working group, and as a member of the steering committee which consist of key humanitarian organizations which facilitate DRR initiatives in Myanmar. Programme component: Disaster risk reduction Community-based disaster risk management programme (CBDRM) Up to June, 56 per cent of the total target of 960 direct recipients have benefited from the programme support and 53 per cent of the total target of 82,500 indirect recipients have received some form of support in this regard. A total of 30 communities from ten townships (three communities per township) in the Bago and Magway regions have been selected to participate in the CBDRM programme, based on their vulnerability towards disasters. (Please see the table below for details on these selected communities) As part of the programme, two CBDRM facilitator courses were conducted in February and March, for a total of 62 participants. They comprised Red Cross volunteers (32 from Bago and 30 from Magway), among whom 21 participants were women. They were trained in the CBDRM processes including community mobilization, hazards and vulnerability mapping, early warning, vulnerability and capacity assessments (VCA) and coping measures aimed at reducing risks at community level. The training was combined with field visits to review the disaster profiles and vulnerability of townships and identify the potential villages which would benefit from participation in the CBDRM programme. After the training, these facilitators formed CBDRM multiplier teams within each of the 30 villages which had been selected to participate in the programme. Each CBDRM multiplier team has a membership of 30 villagers, with half of them being women. Of these 30 teams, 16 teams (15 from Magway Region, and one from Bago Region) have been trained in vulnerability and capacity assessments (VCA), hazards and capacity mapping; developing seasonal calendars within their respective communities; and improving coping measures to reduce the impact of disasters. These teams have identified focal persons and formed individual action groups covering the areas of early warning, first aid, search-and-rescue, relief distributions, assessments, preparedness and mitigation. As part of the programme, MRCS has also procured 40 CBDRM kits to strengthen the disaster preparedness measures of the communities and township Red Cross branches. These kits which include ropes, life jackets, hand-held loud speakers, buckets, blankets, early warning flags, tarpaulins, bamboo sticks and advanced first aid kits are expected to be distributed in July. 5 Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response. 6 United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. 4

5 CBDRM townships Region Township Village Potential hazards Bago Thanatpin Waw Daik U Tar Wa YaeTa Khar, Ka Mar Se, Nat Yae Kan Thu Ye Thu Mein, Ta Naw Kyun, Shan Kaing Hpaung Taw Thi, Ka Toke Hpa Yar Gyi, Thone Gwa Strong wind, flood, drought Flood, drinking water, strong wind Strong wind, dengue, drinking water, flood Phyu Oke Hpyat, Ban Laung, Ka Nyin Daing Bank erosion, flood, strong wind Tantabin Chaung Wa, Ohn Pin, Zee Hpyu Thaung Flood, strong wind, bank erosion, dengue Pwintbyu Zee Kyun, Ah Nauk Layu Ein, Tha Nat Wa Land slide, fire, snake bite, flood Yenangyaungg Chaing, Pin Wa, Hpa Ye Kyun Landslide, fire, flood Chak Chaung Tet, Pa Day Thar, Let Pan Kyun Landslide, fire Magway Seikphyu Than Za Lon, Ah Shey Kan Twin, Saik Khan Landslide, fire, flood Yesagyo Mee Laung Kyun, Pa Khan Nge, Taung U Landslide, fire, HIV, water shortage School-based disaster risk management programme (SBDRM) As part of the school-based disaster risk management programme, facilitator training was held in June, for 32 participants from the Bago Region. Participants included 20 teachers from ten schools (two teachers per school), representatives from the township education authority and Red Cross branches. Up to 16 of the participants were women. The training focused on community mobilization, facilitation skills, vulnerability and capacity assessments (VCA), hazards and capacity mapping, development of seasonal calendars and counter-measures to reduce the impact of disasters. Another course for facilitators is due to take place in July for participants selected from Magway Region. Trained teachers will form an SBDRM team within their respective schools, with team members consisting of 30 students who will be trained in using various disaster risk reduction tools. In connection with this, MRCS has procured and distributed 20 SBDRM kits to the schools to strengthen their disaster preparedness. Each kit contains disaster risk reduction (DRR) materials such as rope, life jackets, stretcher, hand-held loud speaker, buckets, tarpaulins, first aid kits, fire beaters, DRR manuals and information, education and communication (IEC) materials. Information, education and communication (IEC) materials In order to raise awareness of disasters and related counter-measures, MRCS has produced and distributed a total of 63,000 copies of IEC materials to schools and communities participating in the CBDRM and SBDRM programmes. These materials address topics such as CBDRM, malaria, dengue, psychosocial support, TB, diarrhoea, cyclones, earthquakes and bird flu. National Society capacity building Two MRCS staff members attended a regional disaster response team (RDRT) meeting held in Indonesia on 4-11 April, and another two participated in a regional disaster management committee meeting in Bangkok on May. One MRCS staff member took part in an RDRT induction course in Singapore on May. Constraints or Challenges Since the MRCS disaster management division staff were given the lead in the Red Cross response to the Cyclone Giri and Shan earthquake, in addition to the ongoing annual disaster management programme, some of the intended activities were not undertaken as planned. Close coordination with MRCS disaster management staff who are based most of the time at the society s new headquarters in Naypyidaw remains 5

6 challenging - as such, opportunities to engage in joint strategic planning have reduced and the timely completion of planned activities has also been affected. Health and care Programme purpose: Reduce the number of deaths, illnesses, injuries and impact from diseases, public health emergencies and disasters Outcome: Safe and healthy living conditions are provided through community-based health and first aid; and promotion in health and care, and water and sanitation. Achievements Community-based health and first aid (CBHFA) With the support of IFRC s Southeast Asia regional office in Bangkok, MRCS and the IFRC country office conducted a workshop for CBHFA master facilitators in Yangon on January. A total of 24 participants from CBHFA townships in the states or regions of Mandalay, Ayeyarwady, Bago and Rakhine were trained as CBHFA master facilitators. A CBHFA task force led by the MRCS honorary secretary and composed of representatives of MRCS and IFRC meet regularly to discuss the plan of action and budget, as well as the issues raised in the implementation of CBHFA. Pilot township Lewe Township in Mandalay Region has been identified as a pilot area for CBHFA implementation with the support of Hong Kong branch of the Red Cross Society of China. Staff from MRCS headquarters and the township branch met the local authorities and visited communities, to advocate for CBHFA at various levels. They explained in detail how CBHFA in action builds on local capacities and enhances the communities safety and resilience. Based on the selection criteria and the findings of the community needs assessment carried out between 1-7 April, MRCS selected five communities, namely Shan Su, Da Lant Chun, Swe Taw Myaung, Magyi Gone, and Char Chaung. In the selection process, due consideration was given to the vulnerability, health situation and commitment of communities; Red Cross branch capacities and the distance of communities from the township. CBHFA committees were formed at the township and community levels and their terms of reference was approved. MRCS organized a Learning by Doing workshop for 21 community volunteer leaders in Lewe Township on 2-6 May. CBHFA facilitators visited the communities betwen May to advocate to community leaders and members about the CBHFA concept and process and distributed IEC materials. Based on a plan of action developed with community leaders and members, CBHFA committees are organizing various activities to address community needs. Together with the MRCS s deputy head of health and CBHFA coordinator, the IFRC health delegate visited CBHFA communities in Lewe township on 1-7 May to monitor the progress. New implementation areas With the confirmation of Swedish Red Cross funding for CBHFA in mid-may, MRCS is making preparations to implement the programme in Toungup Township (Rakhine State) and Pauk Khaung Township (Bago Region). Located in coastal and hilly areas of the country, these locations are representative of typical coastal and hilly townships of the country in terms of population, living standards, disaster profiles and disease patterns. Therefore, lessons learnt and experience gained from these areas would be useful in expanding the CBHFA programme to other townships in the country. Now, MRCS is gathering secondary data for a situational analysis of the areas through the township and village authorities and the CBHFA master facilitators there. A field visit for an initial assessment of Pauk Khaung Township and targeted villages is scheduled for the second week of July. CBHFA in the Ayeyarwady Delta To build on the experience of CBFA in Cyclone Nargis-affected areas and engage township branches more effectively in building community safety and resilience in disaster-prone townships, MRCS is targeting five townships in the Delta area for implementation of CBHFA. Myaungmya and Wakema townships have been selected as pilot areas with due consideration of Red Cross branch capacity and volunteer experience of working with communities. With experience and lessons learnt from these two townships, the programme is expected to gradually expand to include three more townships later in the year. In June, the MRCS chief 6

7 coordinator met with the authorities of the two townships for advocacy purposes. A team from MRCS is currently visiting targeted communities for an initial assessment. Existing community-based health project The existing community-based health project in 30 villages of Natmauk and Pwintbyu townships, Magway Region, is progressing according to the plan. A total of 220 health education sessions were conducted in the targeted villages by project staff and Red Cross and community volunteers, and 20,841 IEC materials and 5,000 mosquito nets were distributed to all households there in June. A total of 600 school hygiene kits were also distributed to the primary schools. For prevention of poisonous snake bites, 7,010 boots were distributed to people living in the areas. Up to 600 community volunteers were trained in community-based first aid and health education. In accordance with the plan of action for 2011, MRCS is working on expanding the project to ten new villages. The project staff assisted them in forming village health committees and developing their action plans. A total of 300 community volunteers trained in CBFA are making field monitoring visits to villages once a month and conducting health education activities. Red Cross volunteers visited 4,905 households in Natmauk Township and 4,331 households in Pwintbyu Township. Project staff members visit villages regularly to monitor the progress in the field and supervise volunteers. Volunteers meet once a month in villages, and township steering committees meet on a quarterly basis to follow up on activities and submit reports. Completed activities in Natmauk Township consist of one tube well in Shaw Chaung Lay village, two shallow wells in Ywar Thit and Thet Yin Taw villages, and one water storage tank in San Kan Village. In Pwintbyu Township, four shallow wells were rehabilitated in Saw Taw village and one water storage tank was rehabilitated in North Chaung Sone village. A total of 2,000 latrine pans and pipes were distributed to all households in the ten new villages. A Finnish Red Cross delegation, accompanied by the IFRC head of delegation and health delegate, visited the Magway Region in January to monitor the project implementation. They were also briefed on the results of the impact study of the project in Magway. Various health and care projects Integration of psychosocial support MRCS is working to integrate psychosocial support elements into mainstream programmes such as health, disaster management and volunteer management. In January and February, MRCS provided psychosocial support training to 42 Red Cross volunteers in Sittwe Township (Rakhine State). These trained Red Cross volunteers provided 264 persons in Cyclone Giri-affected areas with psychosocial support. School-based and community-based activities were also conducted, benefiting 4,036 people. A total of 58,800 IEC materials on psychosocial support were distributed to people living in areas affected by Cyclone Giri. Public health in emergencies (PhiE) The public health in emergencies (PHiE) project could not be implemented as planned due to the lack of funds. The PhiE officer has been engaged in health education and hygiene promotion in the areas affected by Cyclone Giri and the Shan earthquake. HIV project MRCS is implementing the HIV project in Aung Myay Thazan, Mahar Aung Myay and Pyi Gyi Tagon townships in Mandalay Region, and Lashio Township in Northern Shan State. Three specific groups have been targeted: youth aged between 14 and 25 truck and bus drivers and their assistants; and, people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and their families A total of 75 PLWHIVs from the three townships in Mandalay received their nutritional support. Two trained caretakers from each township visit their homes every week to provide health information and necessary support. A self-help group established in each township meets every month to discuss issues related to health and income generation for these PLWHIVs. The PLWHIV leader from each township attends monthly meetings held at the township National AIDS Programme (NAP) office and shares experiences with others. Although the contracts of field staff in Mandalay were terminated in March, they continue to work as volunteers and make monitoring visits. 7

8 During the monitoring and supervision visit to Mandalay in March, the HIV coordinator supervised volunteer activities in PLWHIV nutrition support, and met with branch staff and self-help groups. Each self-help group saved around MMK 100,000 7 thanks to contributions from PLWHIVs, and formed a micro-credit committee to manage the funds properly. Three project staff attended a HIV prevention, care and support workshop held in Beijing in June. Tuberculosis project MRCS is implementing a tuberculosis project in eight townships in the Cyclone Nargis-affected areas to strengthen TB prevention, care and support. In collaboration with the National TB programme (NTP), 10 assistant field supervisors and 203 trained volunteers conducted health education for 46,977 people. Of 563 suspected cases referred to the NTP for diagnosis and treatment, 116 cases (20.6 per cent) were detected as TB positive; they were given DOTS 8 treatment and observed by Red Cross volunteers. This shows an increase in case detection in 2011 as compared with 17 per cent in A total of 1,980 TB patients were supported with TB care kits, nutrient cereals, vitamins and handkerchiefs. Monthly volunteer meetings take place in every township to share knowledge and experiences. Ceremonies marking World TB Day were held in 13 townships and CBHFA communities. A total of 3,000 TB care kits and multivitamins were donated to TB patients in the Aung San TB Hospital, the New Yangon General Hospital and to volunteers from the project townships. Activities conducted by Red Cross Volunteers are monitored by assistant field supervisors, volunteer leaders and 2 i-cs 9. Blood project In an effort to ensure a sufficient amount of safe blood available in the country, MRCS continues to implement a voluntary non-remunerated blood donor recruitment project in collaboration with the National Blood Centre. A total of 1,855 blood bags were collected by Red Cross volunteers from 11 townships in Yangon and Mandalay. MRCS supported the transportation costs of blood donor teams after every donation. The Kachin Red Cross Committee collected 62 blood bags on New Year s Day in coordination with other social organizations. In collaboration with the National Blood Centre, the MRCS blood donor recruitment working group met on two occasions and conducted various blood donation campaigns. MRCS conducted health talks for potential blood donors in universities and Red Cross branches. Red Cross blood donor recruiters formed a network with blood banks and prepared a donor calendar to facilitate blood donations. MRCS volunteers conduct a baseline survey for the water and sanitation programme in Pyawbwe, Mandalay Region. (Photo: MRCS) In February, the MRCS President attended an appreciation ceremony for 49 regular blood donors, organized by the Thongwa Township Red Cross Blood Association. The donors were presented with certificates of appreciation as well as pins and badges. MRCS and the National Blood Centre held a coordination meeting in May and June in Yangon and Mandalay. The World Blood Donor Day was celebrated in June in Yangon, Mandalay, Kachin, Mon and Ayeyarwady regions. The Yangon Red Cross Committee collected 200 blood bags through mass blood donation campaigns at three hospitals and the National Blood Centre in the city on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day. Water and sanitation programme As part of the water and sanitation programme, two baseline survey training workshops for Red Cross volunteers were conducted in Meikhtilar between March, and in Yangon between 7-8 April. MRCS selected Pyawbwe Township in Mandalay, and Yesagyo Township in Magway as the implementation areas of the programme, taking into consideration the initial availability of vulnerability data, health statistics, easy access, budget and timeframe. By using the questionnaire developed by MRCS and IFRC, 36 volunteers from these two townships conducted baseline surveys in June in 16 villages, covering around 28 per cent of 7 Myanmar Kyat (MMK) is the local currency in Myanmar. 8 Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS). 9 2 i-c: Second-in-command who is the manager of a township Red Cross Volunteer brigade. 8

9 the targeted population. To facilitate the data collection, the volunteer team leaders conducted interviews with school principals, health workers and village leaders in the catchment areas. A special software programme has been designed to process and analyse the baseline survey findings. Data entry began in mid-june. A representative from Austrian Red Cross visited Myanmar on April for insight into the water and sanitation activities implemented with Austrian Red Cross funding and to provide technical support to improve activities in the months to come. First aid programme MRCS conducted various first aid workshops to enhance the first aid skills of Red Cross volunteers and communities. A first aid team building workshop was held in Ngwe Thaung Yan sub-township in Ayeyarwady Region on 3-4 February, for 21 staff (15 of them women) from all divisions of MRCS headquarters. Two community-based first aid training-of-trainers courses were conducted in Maung Daw township in Rakhine State from February-March, for 19 persons (four of them women) from MRCS, UNHCR and communities. MRCS branch in Thongwa Township in Yangon Region conducted the same course for 40 Red Cross volunteers and community volunteers (18 of them women) from 28 March to 8 April. One first aid instructor course was organized by Bago Red Cross Committee in Pyay township on 1-10 April, for 30 RCVs,13 of whom were women. Two representatives from Japanese Red Cross Society visited Myanmar on February to conduct a final review of the first aid programme implemented with JRCS support and to discuss issues related to future bilateral cooperation. Constraints and Challenges Due to the lack of funding for some health projects such as public health in emergencies (PHiE), first aid and HIV, the ability to retain staff and carry out planned activities is a challenge. Some communities are resistant towards changing their behaviour because of their socio-economic conditions and traditional habits. Organizational development MRCS volunteers provide first aid following a road accident. (Photo: MRCS) Programme purpose: Increase local community, civil society and Red Cross and Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability. Outcome: MRCS becomes stronger at all levels to deliver quality community-based services to the vulnerable people in Myanmar. Achievements The division of organizational development has had a stable structure for the past several months and a high level of cooperation within the team and is supporting a cooperative and coordinated approach to the development of the National Society. IFRC recognizes the demands placed on the National Society and continuously seeks to support internal dialogue and consensus building. As the MRCS organizational development team no longer has a permanent presence in Yangon, the organizational development delegate visited the new MRCS headquarters three times to follow up on related issues and provide necessary support. The Strategic Plan was formally approved at the General Assembly held in Naypyidaw on 3 June. With the support of Swedish Red Cross, MRCS is arranging for its printing, distribution and dissemination throughout Myanmar. MRCS has made significant progress in the transition from the Cyclone Nargis operation, especially in the areas of human resources, hub assets redistribution, archiving of documents and financial reconciliation. MRCS and IFRC are also seeking to maximize the learning from the Cyclone Nargis operation and support the long-term development of the National Society. As such, MRCS organized lessons learnt workshops on 9

10 shelter, livelihoods, logistics and monitoring and evaluation with the support of IFRC between March and June. More workshops are scheduled for the next quarter. Legal base With the adoption of a new constitution and the establishment of a new administrative structure in the country, MRCS has initiated internal discussions on redrafting the amendment of the Red Cross Act to be submitted to the national Parliament. Branch development In accordance with the Strategic Plan, MRCS is working on developing an appropriate branch development model which can effectively support community-based programmes. The MRCS/IFRC organizational development team held six workshops between February and June to seek full input from and build consensus among the various stakeholders, as well as draft a field test concept and model in consultation with branches at township and state levels. The branch reporting system (also supported by the communications division) tracks locally-funded branch activities. According to the reports from 17 states and regions, 2,692 volunteers supported some 4,182 people through various activities like dissemination, community-based first aid (CBFA), school Red Cross, relief and rescue, youth training, emergency health and care, and community development work. The 67 th Central Council meeting held in Naypyidaw on 2 June approved the 30-point criteria to be used in assessing the capacity of branches. In May, the organizational development team carried out branch assessments at 18 townships in Kayin and Tanintharyi regions. A total of 43 branches have been assessed to date. This information has been provided to the MRCS Executive Committee and management as a tool to support future planning. Red Cross Youth and Volunteers The total number of registered volunteers trained and available for immediate deployment during an emergency has increased from 29,556 to 32,056 or by nine per cent. The revision of youth and volunteer systems and guidelines has been delayed as priority was given to the development of a branch development model. MRCS continues to support university-based Red Cross teams with the dual objectives of sensitizing the educated classes of Myanmar and supporting mass blood donations. Historically, there are more blood donations in the second half of the year due to university examinations from March to May. During this reporting period, Red Cross teams organized voluntary blood donations at Mawlamyine University, Myit Gyi Na University and Thanlin Community College. The Kachin State Chief Minister personally joined the mass blood donation at Myit Gyi Na University and donated USD 350 to support the Red Cross branch activities. A total of 17 youth leaders attended the meeting of Grade 1 staff officers of Red Cross Brigades in June, which has formed a national youth committee and established a terms of reference which defines its future role. Following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Shan State in March, 100 volunteers from neighbouring branches were deployed to assist affected communities in coordination with the affected township supervisory committee. They were provided with volunteer insurance. The local authorities and affected communities appreciated their contribution and offered help to the MRCS headquarters in constructing a new Red Cross branch office this year. The organizational development division organized large-scale ceremonies in 10 states and regions including Yangon and Mandalay on the occasion of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, in order to appreciate the exemplary work carried out by Red Cross volunteers. Chief ministers, health ministers, mayors and other dignitaries of these states and regions and more than 3,000 people attended these ceremonies and publicly acknowledged the contributions of the volunteers. Financial management With the support of the IFRC regional finance development delegate in Bangkok, MRCS is developing a branch financial guideline for township branches which are involved in community-based programmes. Three workshops took place between February and April with the participation of MRCS and IFRC programme managers concerned to reach consensus on financial procedures and requirements. This branch financial regulation is expected to be finalized by July and guide the process of working advances provided to township branches. The IFRC regional finance development delegate visited Myanmar in April to support this process. Financial journal entries covering the period up to March 2011 have been entered into the Peachtree financial software by an external service provider. The planned auditing of accounts in January 10

11 was postponed as more MRCS data needs to be entered into the Peachtree system. Discussions to resolve this issue continue. Human resource management A reference coding system for all human resource-related documents was completed during the first quarter of The human resource unit continues to assist all programmes in human resource-related issues such as recruitment, selection and relocation to the society s new headquarters in Naypyidaw. In January, a total of 70 per cent of National Society staff actively participated in the year-end appraisal of performance. The development of various human resource regulations is in progress and these include evaluation during a probation period, staff promotion criteria, leave regulation and performance appraisal. As part of the transition from the Cyclone Nargis operation, the human resource unit organized training in curriculum vitae (CV) writing and interview skills for nearly 500 hub staff and volunteers, as well as an appreciation ceremony on 16 June for hub staff who had ended or are ending their contracts. The human resource unit received positive feedback and appreciation from the staff and Red Cross volunteers for these initiatives. Income generation Following the establishment of an income generation unit in late 2010, MRCS undertook two successful fund-raising initiatives after the natural disasters in Rakhine and Shan States (where Cyclone Giri and the earthquake occurred respectively) and constructed a bottling plant in Naypyidaw. After the departure of the head of the income generation unit, these activities have slowed down a little. MRCS and IFRC have agreed to give priority to the development of an income generation handbook detailing success stories which can be used by CBHFA branches to develop their own income generation activities. Challenges It is a little difficult for the organizational development division to focus on specific issues due to a number of ad hoc assignments or projects requested by the MRCS management. The physical distance between the MRCS headquarters in Naypyidaw and the IFRC country office in Yangon also has an impact on the latter s potential support to the National Society. Also, due to the low level of organizational development funding, MRCS and IFRC has postponed or cancelled some planned activities. Humanitarian values Programme purpose: Promote respect for diversity and human dignity, and reduce intolerance, discrimination and social exclusion. Outcome: Social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace are promoted through active humanitarian diplomacy. Achievements MRCS directed its efforts towards enhancing media relations, volunteer capacity building, dissemination of the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, and producing a documentary video for the Cyclone Nargis operation, during this reporting period. MRCS organized photography and reporting training for 50 volunteers from Cyclone Nargis-affected townships to strengthen the communication capacity and preparedness of the branches for future disasters. As a follow-up to the training, they submitted 104 communications inputs, which were later included in the 2011 issue of the MRCS s News Journal. Due to budget constraints, the circulation of this journal was reduced from 4,500 to 3,000 copies. The MRCS communication division organized five media trips to cyclone- and earthquake-affected areas. As a result, Red Cross activities were covered 77 times by the local media. Through its relationship with an FM radio station, MRCS aired information about first aid and disaster preparedness in May and June. MRCS also produced four new Red Cross songs in cooperation with the Myanmar Music Association and had them aired in the first two weeks of May in commemoration of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. The health promotion TV spots produced by MRCS in cooperation with the Central Health Education Bureau of the Ministry of Health are frequently aired by four Myanmar TV channels. A total of 8,684 people visited the MRCS website from January to June this year. The communication division organized a photo exhibition on the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, international humanitarian law and MRCS activities during the 67 th Central Council Meeting and 10 th General 11

12 Assembly held on 2 and 3 June respectively. The exhibition was visited by the minster and deputy minister of health, who spoke highly of MRCS activities. A total of 3,946 people from all walks of life in different states and regions benefited from MRCS advocacy and dissemination activities, which were carried out in various forms such as workshops, dissemination sessions, Red Cross songs, radio programmes, and media trips. As a result of these activities, vulnerable communities, the media and authorities have come to have a better understanding of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and have expressed their interest in volunteering and the role of Red Cross volunteers. Three instances of this interest follow: Communities and media personnel have asked MRCS branches how they could contribute their knowledge and skills in support of Red Cross activities in times of disaster and how they can become volunteers in the field. After a dissemination workshop in Shan State in July 2010, the local authorities became better aware of Red Cross activities and, when the earthquake occurred in March this year, they included the MRCS 2 i-c 10 of Tachileik 11 township as a member of the earthquake rescue, recovery and resettlement sub-committee. In March, when the strong winds in the Bay of Bengal hit the coastal areas of Myanmar, the local authorities concerned worked closely with local Red Cross teams and willingly shared information about missing persons with the MRCS restoring family links unit this coordination was unprecedented. Constraints or Challenges Due to the lack of funds for the MRCS s Humanitarian Values programme, it is difficult for the National Society to carry out dissemination activities as planned and sustain quality staff who have greatly increased their capacity during the Cyclone Nargis operation. Working in partnership MRCS and the IFRC country office maintain close coordination through daily, weekly and monthly meetings. Movement coordination is also promoted through the IFRC-hosted monthly coordination meetings with the three in-country partner national societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). MRCS, IFRC, ICRC and in-country partner national societies also held regular meetings to coordinate the Red Cross response to Cyclone Giri and the Shan earthquake. IFRC facilitates the partnership between MRCS and partner national societies like Japanese Red Cross Society and Austrian Red Cross through the implementation of tripartite agreements in the areas of first aid and water and sanitation. IFRC continues to provide standard services to the in-country delegations of Australian Red Cross, Danish Red Cross and French Red Cross, in accordance with the Administrative Service Agreements signed with them. Ongoing key multilateral support comes from Austrian Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross, Hong Kong branch of Red Cross Society of China, Japanese Red Cross Society, Netherlands Red Cross and Swedish Red Cross. MRCS also works with longer-term in-country partner national societies of Australia, Denmark and France on various bilateral programmes. MRCS s cooperation with ICRC continues in the area of communications and support to prosthesis workshops and training sessions. MRCS has important partnerships with ICRC, UNICEF 12, UNFPA 13, UNHCR 14, UNOPS 15 and Burnet Institute, and has maintained close relationships with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Relief and Resettlement, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Home Affairs, local authorities, and international and local non-governmental organizations. It is also a member of the national TB programme as well as a member of the national AIDS/malaria technical working group. MRCS has become a sub-recipient of the malaria programme and of the TB programme, funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In May and June, MRCS, IFRC and partner national societies held meetings with the new Union Minister of Health and the Senior Minister of Yangon and briefed them on Red Cross activities in the country i-c: Second-in-command who is the manager of a township Red Cross Volunteer brigade. 11 Villages in this township were affected by the earthquake. 12 United Nations Children s Fund (UNICEF). 13 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 14 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 15 United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS). 12

13 Contributing to longer-term impact MRCS and IFRC held a series of workshops to share lessons learnt, best practices and quality standards developed in different sectors of the Cyclone Nargis operation and use them in strengthening the capacity of the National Society in various areas. The Cyclone Nargis monitoring and evaluation workshop held on June came up with a number of recommendations to improve the monitoring and evaluation of the MRCS s annual programmes based on the experience and lessons learnt from the Cyclone Nargis operation. In accordance with the Nargis transition plan jointly developed by the two parties, MRCS and IFRC are closely working on human resource issues, asset relocation and financial closing in order to help the National Society benefit as much as possible from the Cyclone Nargis operation. Gender equity and diversity have also been given due attention. In this regard, MRCS programme divisions consider gender balance when selecting participants for training workshops and direct recipients of Red Cross support. Community-based programmes also promote the increased involvement of women in community activities. Looking ahead MRCS has a new strategy for and will conclude its three major ongoing operations for Cyclone Nargis, Cyclone Giri and the Shan earthquake by the end of August These operations have helped the National Society enhance its capacity in various areas and improve its image and reputation in the country. With stronger and more competent staff, MRCS will redouble its efforts to tackle new challenges ahead and assist vulnerable people in the areas it has identified. MRCS and IFRC will join efforts to make the best use of available opportunities in the interests of the National Society s development, incorporate community-based approaches in MRCS programmes, and develop Red Cross branches which can best support community-based programmes. How we work All Federation assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief and is committed to the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to the most vulnerable. IFRC s vision is to inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies, with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering, and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world. Contact information IFRC s work is guided by Strategy 2020 which puts forward three strategic aims: 1. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disaster and crises. 2. Enable healthy and safe living. 3. Promote social inclusion and a culture of nonviolence and peace. For further information specifically related to this report, please contact: Myanmar Red Cross Society: Prof. Dr. Tha Hla Shwe, president, president@myanmarredcross.org.mm, phone: , fax: Federation country office in Myanmar: Bernd Schell, head of country office, ifrcmm01@redcross.org.mm, phone and fax: , Federation Southeast Asia regional office, Bangkok: Anne Leclerc, head of regional office, anne.leclerc@ifrc.org; phone: ; fax: Federation Asia Pacific zone office, Kuala Lumpur: o Al Panico, head of operations; al.panico@ifrc.org; phone: o Alan Bradbury, head of resource mobilization and PMER; alan.bradbury@ifrc.org, phone: ; fax: Please send all pledges of funding to zonerm.asiapacific@ifrc.org <financial report below; click here to return to title page> 13